What is congestion charge and who has to pay it?

What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is:

• £15 per day - If you pay by midnight on the day of travel
• £17.50 per day - If you pay the next day (up to three days after)
• Applies Monday to Friday - 7am to 6pm (excluding bank holidays)
• Covers central London - A specific zone marked by signs and cameras

The charge applies to most vehicles driving within the congestion charge zone during charging hours.

Who has to pay?

You must pay the congestion charge if you drive:

• A car, van, or motorcycle - Most standard vehicles
• In the charging zone - During charging hours (7am-6pm weekdays)
• On a charging day - Monday to Friday (not bank holidays)

It doesn't matter if you:

• Live in the zone - Residents still need to pay (though they get a discount)
• Are just passing through - Any entry into the zone triggers the charge
• Park and don't drive - If you're in the zone during charging hours, you pay

Who is exempt or gets a discount?

Some vehicles are exempt or get discounts:

100% discount (free):

• Electric vehicles - Zero-emission vehicles (until December 2025)
• Disabled badge holders - Blue Badge holders get 100% discount
• Certain vehicles - Emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, minicabs

Resident discount:

• 90% discount - If you live in the congestion charge zone
• Must register - You need to register for the discount
• Annual fee - There's a small annual registration fee

Other discounts:

• NHS staff - Some NHS staff may be eligible for discounts
• Charitable vehicles - Some charity vehicles may be exempt

Check Transport for London's website for the full list of exemptions and discounts.

How do I pay?

You can pay the congestion charge:

• Online - Transport for London website or app
• By phone - Call the automated payment line
• By text - Text message payment (for registered users)
• Auto Pay - Set up automatic payments if you drive regularly

You can pay:

• On the day - By midnight on the day of travel (£15)
• The next day - Up to three days after (£17.50)
• In advance - Pay for future dates

You need your vehicle registration number to pay.

What happens if I don't pay?

If you don't pay the congestion charge:

• You'll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) - Usually £160
• Reduced to £80 - If you pay within 14 days
• Increases to £240 - If you don't pay within 28 days
• Enforcement action - Can lead to court action and bailiffs

The charge is enforced by cameras that read your number plate, so you can't avoid it by not stopping.

Are there other congestion charges?

Other UK cities with congestion or clean air charges include:

• Birmingham - Clean Air Zone
• Bath - Clean Air Zone
• Bristol - Clean Air Zone
• Greater Manchester - (Planned)
• Other cities - More cities are introducing similar schemes

Each city has its own rules, charges, and exemptions, so check the specific city's website.

How do I know if I'm in the zone?

In London, you'll see:

• Signs - Marking the boundary of the congestion charge zone
• Road markings - "C" symbols on the road
• Cameras - Automatic number plate recognition cameras
• Maps - Available on Transport for London's website

If you're unsure, check before you travel. The zone is clearly marked, but it's easy to enter accidentally.

Can I avoid the charge?

You can avoid paying by:

• Not driving in the zone - During charging hours (7am-6pm weekdays)
• Using public transport - Buses, tubes, trains don't require the charge
• Driving outside charging hours - Evenings, weekends, and bank holidays are free
• Using an exempt vehicle - Electric vehicle or other exempt vehicle
• Registering for discounts - If you're eligible (resident, disabled, etc.)

The easiest way is to use public transport or travel outside charging hours.

Summary

• Congestion charge is a daily fee to drive in certain city zones during peak hours
• London charge is £15 per day (or £17.50 if paid later) Monday-Friday 7am-6pm
• Most vehicles must pay, but electric vehicles, disabled badge holders, and some others are exempt
• Residents get a 90% discount if registered
• Pay online, by phone, or via app by midnight on the day of travel
• Failure to pay results in a £160 penalty (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days)
• Other UK cities have similar schemes with their own rules
• The zone is clearly marked with signs and cameras
• Avoid by using public transport, travelling outside hours, or using an exempt vehicle